In a recent Health Hazard Evaluation program update, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) discussed its evaluation of a medicinal cannabis manufacturing facility and subsequent recommendations for the employer.

In two inspections conducted in 2016 and 2017, investigators observed work practices related to cultivation, harvesting, processing, and decarboxylation; collected air and surface wipe samples; interviewed employees and conducted a health questionnaire; and used spirometry to test employees’ lung function. Decarboxylation involves aging or applying heat to cannabis to remove the carboxyl group by releasing water and carbon dioxide, converting the THC-A, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is then used to make oils and other medical treatments.

Based on their findings, investigators recommended:

Installing local exhaust ventilation to reduce exposures during grinding operations;

Moving the decarboxylation process to a seldom occupied area in the facility to prevent unnecessary exposures to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione;

Limiting access to areas where higher exposure tasks occur;

Redesigning security doors to allow emergency egress without needing a badge to exit the facility;

Encouraging employees to report new or ongoing symptoms to both their personal healthcare provider and a designated health and safety representative within the workplace;

Developing and implementing a written respiratory protection program that meets the requirements of OSHA’s respiratory protection standard;